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Defense Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Ontic

Electrical Design Engineer

Creedmoor, NC

... defense aerospace programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong electrical engineering ... fundamentals, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to solve complex technical challenges while ...

Ontic

Electrical Design Engineer

Creedmoor, NC · On-site

... defense aerospace programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong electrical engineering ... fundamentals, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to solve complex technical challenges while ...

Vadum Inc

Junior Software Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... defense research and development. Our engineers work on cutting-edge technologies that solve ... complex technical challenges in support of critical national security missions. If you're an early ...

Mosaic.tech

Product Sourcing Engineer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$89 - $131/hr

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied ... About the Job The Product Sourcing Engineer drives the strategic supply network development and ...

Analog Devices

Product Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

Engineer, Product Engineering - Prod Dev (P2) ADI Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) is a global ... ADEF ADI's Aerospace and Defense (ADEF) business is focused on three (3) key areas of technology:

Vulcan Elements

Controls Engineer

Benson, NC · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

... as defense, aerospace, and automotive powering a high-technology future. Vulcan Elements is ... As the Controls Engineer you will own controls execution for the magnet equipment portfolio within ...

ARA Career

Senior Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in growing and managing a team developing digital engineering and mission analysis capabilities for the Department of Defense. We are seeking an ...

Berriehill Research

Senior Systems Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$92K - $126K/yr

The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in growing and managing a team developing digital engineering and mission analysis capabilities for the Department of Defense. We are seeking an ...

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All JobsDefense Engineer JobsDefense Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Defense Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$35.3K

$101.7K

$157.6K

How much do defense engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense engineer in Raleigh, NC is $101,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,909.00 and $126,138.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense engineer?

Defense Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain technologies and systems used for national defense and security. Their work may include developing weapons, surveillance equipment, communications systems, and protective gear for military use. They often collaborate with government agencies and defense contractors to ensure that products meet stringent safety and performance standards. Defense Engineers apply principles from fields such as mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering to solve complex challenges related to defense technology.

How do defense engineers typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during project development?

Defense Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from various disciplines, including software developers, systems analysts, project managers, and manufacturing specialists. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as complex defense projects require integrating multiple technologies and adhering to strict security protocols. Regular meetings, technical reviews, and cross-functional design sessions are common, ensuring that engineering solutions meet both technical requirements and regulatory standards. Being adaptable and open to feedback from different perspectives is key to success in this collaborative environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and systems design, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field and security clearance. Familiarity with CAD software, modeling tools, and knowledge of defense industry standards or certifications like ITAR compliance is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the development of reliable, secure, and innovative defense systems that meet stringent safety and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Defense Engineer vs Systems Engineer?

AspectDefense EngineerSystems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Security Clearances often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Systems or related fields
Work EnvironmentDefense contractors, government agencies, military projectsVarious industries including aerospace, IT, manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily defense and military sectorsBroad industry use, including defense, tech, and aerospace
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical and security aspectsCompared for project management and system integration skills

Defense Engineers focus on designing and developing military and defense systems, often requiring security clearances and working within defense sectors. Systems Engineers have a broader role in integrating complex systems across various industries, including defense, but with less emphasis on security clearances. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in industry focus and project scope.

How much do defense engineers get paid?

Defense engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in systems, cybersecurity, or missile defense can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Defense Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,707 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer

Ontic

Creedmoor, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

We are a fast-paced business with ambitious growth plans; so if you are dedicated, enthusiastic and always seeking ways to improve, you'll enjoy a career with us!

Electrical Design Engineer

Ontic is seeking a motivated and technically driven Electrical Design Engineer to join our Sustainment and Design Engineering team in Creedmoor, NC. This role offers the opportunity to work across both legacy aerospace products and new product development, supporting critical commercial and defense aerospace programs. The ideal candidate will bring strong electrical engineering fundamentals, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to solve complex technical challenges while contributing to the continued growth and success of our organization.

What You Will Be Doing

Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical (EEE) Engineering Support

  • Support new product design and development activities, including EEE component selection, circuit board design, and system integration.
  • Develop and implement electrical obsolescence management and mitigation strategies for legacy products.
  • Participate in enterprise counterfeit parts prevention and mitigation initiatives.
  • Design, develop, and validate test methods, test equipment, and acceptance test procedures.
  • Support design reviews and technical assessments for both legacy and newly developed electronic systems.

Materials and Processes Engineering

  • Support the design and manufacture of printed wiring boards (PWBs), printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), electrical interconnect systems, and wire harness assemblies.
  • Develop, improve, and maintain manufacturing processes, material specifications, and engineering standards across legacy aerospace products.
  • Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to develop practical engineering solutions.
  • Create, review, revise, and release engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Investigate and resolve nonconformances, production issues, and design-related challenges while supporting demanding production schedules.

Manufacturing and Supplier Support

  • Provide engineering support for the manufacture and assembly of wire harnesses, electrical panels, shelves, and related aerospace hardware.
  • Partner with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams to interpret, refine, and improve process specifications and work instructions.
  • Perform root cause analysis and failure investigations to identify corrective and preventive actions.
  • Resolve manufacturing, production, and obsolescence-related issues affecting product performance, quality, and delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical design engineering or a closely related technical field.
  • Experience reading, interpreting, and creating engineering drawings, schematics, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional engineering and manufacturing environment.

Preferred

  • Aerospace industry experience supporting commercial and/or defense programs.
  • Experience with analog and digital electronics design.
  • Experience with PCB design, wire harness design, and electrical interconnect systems.
  • Experience using Altium Designer, LabVIEW, or similar electrical design software.
  • Experience using Solidworks 3D modeling software
  • Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and automated test systems.
  • Familiarity with obsolescence management, counterfeit parts prevention, and aerospace industry standards.

Compensation Pay Range

95k-120k

Please click here to review Ontic's California Consumer Privacy Act policy.

Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran
Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This position must meet export control compliance requirements. To meet export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person " as defined by 22. C.F.R. 120.15 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee.

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